I am Virnell C. and it was May 2006, when I first stepped on Canadian soil. As immigrants from the Philippines, we ventured here hoping to find a greener pasture. It is our strong desire to seek always a better future for our children. Together, with my wife and my three children, we came without any family to assist us but did have a friend in Toronto. I was a Civil Engineer back home and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. I had a very good job in the Philippines, and I practiced my profession for almost 15 years. I was involved in Civil Engineering specializing in materials testing and investigation for construction. Just before arrival, my school transcripts were evaluated by World Education Services (WES) in Toronto. I received an equivalent of a Diploma in Civil Engineering for employment purposes.

Fortunately, we found a house quickly so we moved in right away. After a couple of days of organizing our life in Toronto, Ontario, I started to look for a job. Using my credentials and the certification I have for my profession I sent an application, letters, and resumes to any companies that I thought might hire me. But, because I have no Canadian experiences, I was not hired. I decided to look for a different job. I have worked various jobs but all are too far for my chosen profession. Since it has always been my dream to become an Engineering Technician, I decided to enroll in the AutoCAD Program, so that might help me to get in a job as a starting point. I prefer it online, even though I’m close to other colleges, so it doesn’t affect my job and time for my kids. My plan is that after I finish I could get a job related to this program.